[dropcap2 variation=”coffee”]L[/dropcap2]eonard’s cancer was spreading rapidly. Once a scholarship athlete, a decorated veteran, and a very active man, he slowly lost control of his body. He went from a cane to a walker to a motorized scooter. He piloted that scooter with expert accuracy, a little American flag waving behind his head.
One day I found him in his room, staring out the window. I laid a hand on his shoulder. Neither of us said anything for several minutes.
Finally, Leonard broke the silence with a sigh. “Thanks for going through this with me,” he said.
Sometimes another person’s presence is enough.
At my dad’s memorial service, dozens of my high school classmates lined the walkway into the funeral home. No one said a word. No words needed. Message received, loud and clear.
Our presence matters, far more than we know. Just showing up can turn the tide of battle. Vulnerable souls meet. Miracles happen.
Let’s show up today.
Say this with me: Living courageously means showing up. When I do, I contribute to the healing of two parties: the other person and myself.
Your presence matters. You matter.
(If you have an aging loved one with health issues, we wrote Saying Goodbye to help. Consider checking it out. Click here: https://www.garyroe.com/saying-goodbye/)
